Shoulder cords come in a wide range of colors and are worn by members of a variety of military, law-enforcement, first-responder, and paramilitary organizations, often as a part of formal ceremonies. Though similar to aiguillettes and fourragères, shoulder cords lack the metal tips found on those accouterments.
Besides being a popular choice for law-enforcement organizations taking part in special ceremonies such as parades or inspections, white shoulder cords are also authorized for wear by members of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (and its affiliated junior organization League Cadet Corps) and the Civil Air Patrol.
In the Sea Cadet Corps, white shoulder cords are recommended for wear on blue uniforms worn by the Color Guard Commander and members of the Color Guard and Honor Guard, but only when serving in an official role during specific events (color guard presentation, drill team exhibition, etc.).
Civil Air Patrol uniform regulations call for the wear of white shoulder cords by cadet members of Drill and Color Guard Competition team and cadet members who are acting as a Color Guard. Cadet members may wear only one shoulder cord at a time, and it is worn aligned along the left shoulder seam and passed underneath the epaulet if the uniform has them.